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louturnspages's review against another edition
4.0
**Actual rating 3.5 stars**
Reading compiled short stories is often of mixed bag. I loved the theme of the book and the focus on love and family in one diverse and unique neighborhood. Some of these stories were great, some were fine, and others I just didn’t enjoy.
Reading compiled short stories is often of mixed bag. I loved the theme of the book and the focus on love and family in one diverse and unique neighborhood. Some of these stories were great, some were fine, and others I just didn’t enjoy.
wardenred's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
There’s a quiet sort of pride there, creating things with your hands that people take pleasure in.
Rating anthologies is always really hard for me, because practically in each, there are stories I absolutely love, stories that are good but not great, and stories I could do without. This one is no exception. What I absolutely loved about the entirety of it, though, is the concept: the fact that all the stories are loosely interlinked and take place in the same restaurant-packed quarter. This felt a bit like playing an exploration-based videogame where you roam across a vast location, enter places, and learn the stories of their occupants. There is even a map included, with all the numerous restaurants from the book marked on it!
It was also great to be exposed to so many different cultures and culture-specific foods. I swear this book did wonders for my appetite. :D There is so much cooking here, all of it done with love and purpose and a dash of magic that I believe is always present in the kitchen. I loved seeing all the mouth-watering culinary variety and learning some new stuff about the various cultures, not even always linked directly to food.
What was the anthology's strength for me (the fact that all the stories are interlinked) has also proved to be a bit of a weakness, though, because there are a number of genres presented here. Some of the stories are these quiet introspective pieces, contemporary with just a bit of magical realism. Others are much more high-stakes, with conflicts based around rather dangerous ghosts or even mafia wars. The way the stories are arranged in the book makes for some really dramatic mood shifts, which made it sometimes difficult to read a few stories in a row.
All in all, though, I think this is a solid four stars. If I had to pick my favorite story, I think I'd go with Moments to Return by Adi Alsaid: a beautiful piece focused on overcoming the ever-present fear of death, or rather, learning to live with it and despite it.
megs_s's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
mariamreadsalot's review against another edition
5.0
Current rating is for the short story titled Back Work by Sara Farizan only. Will read the rest when it comes out.
madelinefmcguire's review against another edition
3.0
A collection of short stories about Hungry Hearts Row and the magic of the people and food who live there.
Overall the stories blended well together even though they were all different. There were some that were awesome and few that weren't and some that were just okay. It was a nice read.
Overall the stories blended well together even though they were all different. There were some that were awesome and few that weren't and some that were just okay. It was a nice read.
herlifewithbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I don't think I've ever read a YA short story anthology that I've liked as much as this one!
amumreads's review against another edition
5.0
This book is everything. I have never rated an anthology 5 stars before, but I have also never read one I loved as much as this. For some reason, this collection resonated with me and I just adored it.
Over the course of the stories, you get to see such a diverse range of ethnic groups and the food that they're passionate about. It will make you so, so hungry! I loved that along with the food, it also delved a little into the traditions of some of the cultures. I found the cutesy stories to be just as interesting as the darker stories for just this reason.
This collection has something for everyone and I couldn't recommend it more!
Over the course of the stories, you get to see such a diverse range of ethnic groups and the food that they're passionate about. It will make you so, so hungry! I loved that along with the food, it also delved a little into the traditions of some of the cultures. I found the cutesy stories to be just as interesting as the darker stories for just this reason.
This collection has something for everyone and I couldn't recommend it more!
aregan's review against another edition
3.0
After reading this compilation I have decided I am not a fan of short stories in general. My least favorite part of a book is typically the first chapter or two, when you are trying to get to know the characters, their relationships and the general story. Nothing against any of these stories individually, some were better then others, I particularly liked the story about being brave and eating alone as well as the story about the slender one!